Ainsley Maitland-Niles joins Lyon as the former Arsenal star is unveiled by the Ligue 1 side in a video showcasing French cuisine

Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been unveiled as a new Olympique Lyon player after completing a deal to join the Ligue 1 giants.

The 25-year-old is a product of Arsenal’s youth system but departed the Gunners as a free agent after the club decided not to extend his contract at the end of the season.

Mail Sport revealed that talks were progressing between the player and the French side with Lyon confirming their capture with Maitland-Niles signing a four-year deal until 2027.

The attacking full-back spent the entirety of last season on loan at Southampton, making 27 appearances in all competitions as the Saints were relegated to the Championship.

His arrival in France brings an end to a 20-year career in England where he first rose through the academy ranks at the Emirates before going on to forge a place in Arsenal’s first-team.

A hilarious unveiling video shows the new Lyon star sitting down to enjoy English afternoon tea delicacies

Lyon were keen to mark the Englishman’s arrival in France with a hilarious feature video that demonstrated the differences between the cuisine of both nations.

Traditional English afternoon tea is a staple in England with cakes, biscuits and a good cuppa one of the nation’s best-recognised treats.

Maitland-Niles will undoubtedly have tried the sweet tooth luxuries during his time in England but is already being introduced to a French version by his new club.

Lyon wasted no time in giving their newest signing a taste of France as they originally start the video by showcasing a classic English selection.

Notable inclusions are a packet of Walkers shortbread, cupcakes, English teabags and a decorative mug adorned with the face of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Maitland-Niles is originally given a classic English mug featuring Queen Elizabeth II (left) before it is swapped out for a club cup (right)

Maitland-Niles brings an end to his 20-year stay in England after deciding to join Lyon

Maitland-Niles sits down in a plush setting as England’s national anthem plays over the video before a waiter then approaches.

The former FA Cup winner explains that he ‘loves’ the selection but ‘would like to try the Lyon version’.

DJ music then blasts out with all the previous English dishes swapped out for their French alternatives with a jam tart, an item that resembles green mint chocolates and a Lyon mug moved into frame.

Maitland-Niles then takes a sip from the mug before looking down the camera and in a rare piece of footballer-turned-actor moment states: ‘I really like the English afternoon tea. But I already love the Lyonaisse one, it’s OL time.’